Arizona’s desert cold can be deadly for immigrants

TUCSON, Ariz. — Southern Arizona law enforcement officials say the
desert’s cold nighttime temperatures can be just as dangerous as scorching
summer days for illegal immigrants.

U.S. Border Patrol agents say a group of 27 men, women and children was found
last month in the mountains south of Sierra Vista.

They say about half of the group was taken to a hospital for treatment of
possible exposure.

Border agents say dehydration is a leading cause of distressed people and
deaths due to excess layers of clothing, rugged terrain and the false assumption
that less water is needed during cold weather.

The Arizona Daily Star says many immigrants try to cross
the desert during the winter holidays because they believe there’s going to be
reduced immigration enforcement.